Free or Reduced Cost Flu Shots

Written by Kimberly Holland
| Published on October 22, 2012Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD

The flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent the flu. It's even better when it's cheap, or better yet, free. See where you can get assistance with your flu shot.

There are two types of influenza viruses—A and B—that are
responsible for spreading the seasonal flu. These viruses infect the
respiratory system, causing symptoms such as:

fever

headache

sore throat

body aches

nasal congestion

malaise (a general feeling of being ill)

The flu can also lead to serious health complications, such
as pneumonia, bronchitis, and complications related to a pre-existing condition.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people over
the age of 65, small children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical
conditions (such as asthma or diabetes) are at a greater risk for complications.
In some cases, these complications can be fatal (CDC, 2011).

Why Should I Get a Flu Shot?

Many cases of the flu can be prevented with a yearly
vaccine. An annual flu shot is recommended by the CDC for everyone over six
months of age. High-risk groups include those with cancer, leukemia, or other
conditions that compromise their immune systems, as well as the people who take
care of them. However, even if you’re not at high risk, you should consider
getting the flu vaccine. It can save a lot of headaches, dollars, and sick days
later.

Fighting the flu has never been easier. Doctors’ offices,
clinics, pharmacies, workplaces, and even grocery stores have been offering flu
vaccines in recent years. As the number of people who get the vaccine rises,
the spread of the disease wanes.

It takes about two weeks after your vaccination for your
body to build up enough immunity to fight the virus. The sooner you get the
shot, the better—and healthier—you’ll be during flu season.

The average price of a flu shot is often between $25 and
$40. Shop around for the best deal, especially if you’re paying cash and don’t
have health insurance coverage. Check out these tips for saving big on a flu
vaccination.

How to Seek out Free Shots

Many community groups, local businesses, and charities offer
free or inexpensive flu shots each year. Call around to find the best deal. They
may still require a small administration fee, but it will likely be less than
the full cost at another facility.

You should try:

your state, county, or city health department

a walk-in health clinic

a church or religious organization

a school or parent-teacher organization

a pharmacy

Free Health Clinics

Many universities with medical schools or nursing programs offer
free or reduced-cost medicines and vaccinations. These programs vary by state
and university, but during flu season, many offer the flu vaccine at little or
no cost.

Senior Citizen Organizations

Community groups that cater to senior citizens, the homebound,
or disabled individuals may offer free vaccines to people who are a part of
their program. Many of these organizations are free, so joining would save you
the cost of the vaccine too.

Save at the Corner Store

Call your local supermarkets and pharmacies to check for
incentives, discounts, or coupons that may reduce or help offset the cost of a
vaccination. For example, people who get their flu shot at CVS receive a
20-percent-off shopping pass with a flu shot.

Your Employer

Some companies offer their employees free or reduced-cost
flu vaccines as part of a health-screening clinic each fall. The math makes
sense: they pay for your vaccine so you don’t use as many sick days. A flu vaccine also may
prevent many expensive trips to the doctor later.

Use Your Insurance

Some insurance plans with preventive care coverage pay for
flu vaccines. Others require a co-pay between $5 and $30. Call your insurance
provider to see what your policy offers.

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